Non-random dispersal in the butterfly Maniola jurtina: implications for metapopulation models

The dispersal patterns of animals are important in metapopulation ecology b ecause they affect the dynamics and survival of populations. Theoretical mo dels assume random dispersal but little is known in practice about the disp ersal behaviour of individual animals or the strategy by which dispersers l ocate distant habitat patches. In the present study, we released individual meadow brown butterflies (Maniola jurtina) in a non-habitat and investigat ed their ability to return to a suitable habitat. The results provided thre e reasons for supposing that meadow brown butterflies do not seek habitat b y means of random flight. First, when released within the range of their no rmal dispersal distances, the butterflies orientated towards suitable habit at at a higher rate than expected at random. Second, when released at large r distances from their habitat, they used a non-random, systematic, search strategy in which they flew in loops around the release point and returned periodically to it. Third, butterflies returned to a familiar habitat patch rather than a non-familiar one when given a choice. If dispersers actively orientate towards or search systematically for distant habitat, this may b e problematic for existing metapopulation models, including models of the e volution of dispersal rates in metapopulations.